Modi Govt Advances Nuclear-Sub Deterrence Strategy Against China

The Narendra Modi government has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines, signaling a focus on sub-surface deterrence over a third aircraft carrier, which is more vulnerable to Chinese missiles. The decision comes as China increases its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with at least 10 Chinese warships and surveillance vessels spotted monthly since 2023.

Currently, Chinese ships, including the Xiang Yang Hong 3 and Yuan Wang 7, are stationed off the coasts of Chennai and Mauritius, respectively. To counter this, India has prioritized nuclear submarines to monitor and deter People’s Liberation Army (PLA) activities, especially in the southern Indian Ocean.

India already has two nuclear ballistic missile submarines patrolling the Indo-Pacific, with a third, INS Aridhaman, set for commissioning next year. While the first, INS Arihant, carries K-15 missiles with a 750 km range, newer submarines are equipped with the longer-range K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles.

India is also expecting a second Akula-class nuclear submarine on lease from Russia by 2028, though delays are possible due to the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, the approval of two new SSNs reflects a shift in India’s strategic focus, with China now being the primary threat, not Pakistan.

The Modi government’s decision to also build three advanced Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel submarines will help deter regional threats and boost India’s defense exports in collaboration with France. This shows that India’s naval future lies in nuclear deterrence to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.